This week (9-13 November) is ‘Tomorrow’s Engineers Week’, the annual awareness-raising platform run by EngineeringUK to celebrate and promote emerging talent within engineering.
To that end, the ILP has welcomed the fact that one of London Borough of Southwark’s lighting engineers, Tom Compton, has been recognised by EngineeringUK as part of its activity around Tomorrow’s Engineers Week.
Compton (pictured) has been featured in EngineeringUK’s ‘Meet Real Engineers’ series, highlighting how lighting engineering, smart technology and data are helping to create safer, more sustainable communities.
His work at Southwark focuses on exploring how smart street lighting, live data and emerging technologies can transform the way our public spaces are illuminated, all the while still keeping streets safe,
Compton said: “I’m also exploring how traffic and pedestrian data could help lighting respond to how streets are actually being used. Engineering today isn’t just about building things. It’s about using technology, data and creative thinking to improve everyday places.”
EngineeringUK has highlighted research which shows that, while 46% of young people are interested in an engineering career, only 25% feel it fits who they are.
To that end, Tomorrow’s Engineers Week is working to challenges perceptions and help young people see engineering and technology as a route to making a positive difference in society.
Compton’s story is one of a number of up-and-coming engineers highlighted by EngineeringUK, including apprentices, bridge engineers, consultants, and acoustic technicians, among others.
ILP Past President and business manager at Southwark Perry Hazell said: “The ILP is passionate about raising awareness of lighting engineering as a rewarding and diverse career, particularly through its growing commitment to STEM outreach and educational engagement.
“Stories like Tom’s demonstrate that engineering is not simply about designing or building infrastructure. It is about problem-solving, creativity, digital technology and making a meaningful difference to people’s everyday lives.
“By showcasing real engineers and the work they undertake, we can help inspire the next generation to consider careers in lighting, highways and the wider built environment,” said Hazell, who is also of course leading on the ILP’s ‘Pathways into lighting’ work.
You can read the different stories, plus find out more about Tomorrow’s Engineers Week here.
